re what might be termed gentlewomen?"

"That's just it, Major. Three were gentlewomen, as you say, and the
connections were suitable."

"And the fourth being the daughter of my father's gardener, the
connection was unsuitable. But have you no fear that marrying the child
of a non-commissioned officer, who is in the same corps with yourself,
will have the effect to lessen your consequence in the regiment?"

"That's just been my weakness through life, Major Duncan; for I've
always married without regard to consequences. Every man has his
besetting sin, and matrimony, I fear, is mine. And now that we have
discussed what may be called the principles of the connection, I
will just ask if you did me the favor to speak to the Sergeant on the
trifling affair?"

"I did, David; and am sorry to say, for your hopes, that I see no great
chance of your succeeding."

"Not succeeding! An officer, and a quartermaster in the bargain, and not
succeed with a sergeant's daughter!"

"It's just that, Davy."

"And why not, Lundie? Will ye have the goodness to answer just that?"

"The girl is betrothed. Hand plighted, word passed, love pledged,--no,
hang me if I believe that either; but she is betrothed."

"Well, that's an obstacle, it must be avowed, Major, though it counts
for little if the heart is free."

"Quite true; and I think it probable the heart is free in this case; for
the intended husband appears to be the choice of the father rather than
of the daughter."

"And who may it be, Major?" asked the Quartermaster, who viewed the
whole matter with the philosophy and coolness acquired by use. "I do not
recollect any plausible suitor that is likely to stand in my way."

"No, you are the only _plausible_ suitor on the frontier, Davy. The
happy man is Pathfinder."

"Pathfinder, Major Duncan!"

"No more, nor any less, David Muir. Pathfinder is the man; but it may
relieve your jealousy a little to know that, in my judgment at least, it
is a match of the father's rather than of the daughter's seeking."

"I thought as much!" exclaimed the Quartermaster, drawing a long
breath, like one who felt relieved; "it's quite impossible that with my
experience in human nature--"

"Particularly hu-woman's nature, David."

"Ye will have yer joke, Lundie, let who will suffer. But I did not think
it possible I could be deceived as to the young woman's inclinations,
which I think I may boldly pronounce to be altogether above the
condition